Gretna’s May Day Festival draws thousands for music, food, and community spirit

Leo Torres
Gadsden County News Service

Friday marked a beautiful introduction to the emerging summer as the sights and sounds of the 28th annual May Day Festival greeted the Springfield Multipurpose Center.
“It’s important that our citizens know government does more than just send a tax bill, send a utility bill,” Gretna city manager Antonio Jefferson said. “There should be some reinvestment back into the community.”
The investment certainly showed, as the festival attracted 2500 attendees and 25 vendors, according to Jefferson. Big Ron and The Crew, Big Mucci and West Love set the musical tone for the evening, with host Joe Bullard and DJ AP complementing the lively affair.
“It’s free, you just get to come here, enjoy, and see talent that you have to pay to see in other places,” Jefferson said.
Big Ron, former contestant on season 14 of American Idol, kicked things off with plenty of flair, and the Gretna native even opened the floor up for his backup singers to show off their talent, with a beautiful cameo from Sheniqua Williams.
“Big Ron and them do a great job,” Quincy resident Victor Boyd said. “I’ve seen him before, many times. Ron always puts on a good show.”
Big Mucci’s line dance tracks kept the party going with its energetic beats, and though there were no fireworks for this year’s festival, West Love provided plenty with her set to close things out.
“At the end of the day, music brings us together,” Jefferson said. “That’s the one thing that everybody can do-tap their feet, clap their hands.”
There was no shortage of food options. Burgers, BBQ, candy apples, sausage, shrimp, catfish, smoked ribs, lemonade, Italian ice- if you were craving it, they had it. Gretna resident Tranquil Card said events like this provide a great opportunity for vendors to showcase their businesses.
“Throughout the week, they might be in one place,” Card said. “This gives them a date on their calendar where they get the opportunity to get their food out and people can see them.”
In addition to the opportunity for businesses, the festival was an opportunity for residents, past and present, to honor Gretna. Card said events like this bring the residents together.
“It gives them a chance to support their community,” Card said. “Some people don’t stay in Gretna anymore. This gives them a chance to come back to their hometown.”
Jefferson said he looks forward to continuing the festival in the future.
“It’s a great time to be in Gadsden County,” Jefferson said. “Things like this is what makes Gadsden County a great place to live, work and play.”